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Celestyal confirms two-ship deployment to Arabian Gulf for 2025/26 season

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 22 September 2025 22 September 2025

Celestyal has confirmed its commitment to the Arabian Gulf with both the 1,260-guest Celestyal Journey and 1,360-guest Celestyal Discovery deployed to the region beginning in December of this year. This follows their maiden 2024/25 program and represents a 211% year-on-year capacity increase.

As part of its updated deployment plans, Celestyal has amended its two 14-night 2025 repositioning sailings, “Ancient Athens to Amazing Abu Dhabi”, departing November 22, 2025, onboard Celestyal Journey, and November 28, 2025, onboard Celestyal Discovery.

Two new 7-night Athens to Jeddah itineraries will now operate, sailing from Athens, Greece, on the same departure dates. Celestyal Journey will now call at Marmaris, Turkey, three ports in Egypt- Port Said, Sharm el Sheikh, and Safaga, concluding in Jeddah. Celestyal Discovery will now call at Kusadasi, Turkey, two ports in Egypt- Sharm el Sheikh, and Safaga, concluding in Jeddah. 6-night segments will also be available from the Turkish ports.

Most of the guests who are booked on the original segments departing Athens, sailing to Sharm El Sheik and Jeddah will be unimpacted, for some there will be port changes or shorter sailings offered.

Following these departures, both ships will continue their passage from Jeddah to Abu Dhabi, enabling them to arrive in the Arabian Gulf in time to begin the season as planned.

Celestyal Journey will open the season on December 6, 2025, with a special Abu Dhabi Grand Prix celebratory cruise, before operating the seven-night “Desert Days” itinerary for the rest of the season, sailing roundtrip from Doha and calling at Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain, as well as two full days and an overnight stay in Dubai.

Celestyal Discovery will then join her fleet mate for her inaugural season in the region, departing December 12, 2025 and launching the line’s new three-, four- and seven-night “Iconic Arabia” cruises, sailing roundtrip from her winter homeport in Abu Dhabi, calling at Doha, Qatar; Khasab, Oman; Dubai, UAE; Sir Bani Yas Island, UAE and maiden visits to Ras Al Khaimah, UAE.

John Diorio, Managing Director and Vice President of Business Development North America at Celestyal said: “Our maiden Arabian Gulf season firmly established Celestyal as a standout in the region, with exceptional feedback from both guests and our trade partners. Listening to that feedback, we’re enhancing our deployment with two new seven-night Athens-to-Jeddah sailings that highlight even more of Egypt’s diverse beauty, calling at Port Said, Sharm el Sheikh, Safaga, plus Marmaris or Kusadasi in Turkey, and Aqaba before concluding in Jeddah.

“These refinements give us great confidence as we return stronger to the Arabian Gulf for 2025/26 with two ships and significantly increased capacity to meet soaring demand for the winter sun. Our multi-year partnerships with Qatar, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah remain central to this growth, and together we’re committed to showcasing the very best of the region to both new and returning cruisers. With demand already running high, we’re incredibly optimistic about the opportunities ahead and confident this will be one of our strongest seasons yet.”

All travel partners have been notified, assured protected commission and provided with updated information and guest rebooking options.

AmaWaterways expands European orderbook with eight new ships

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 18 September 2025 18 September 2025

AmaWaterways, the largest cruise line dedicated exclusively to river cruising, has announced plans to expand its European orderbook with eight new ships scheduled for delivery by 2030. With these additions, the company’s global fleet will grow to more than 40 vessels – doubling its vessel count since 2020. This expansion reflects the surging demand for AmaWaterways’ immersive river cruise experiences.

“Our expanding fleet is a direct response to the strong demand from guests eager to discover river cruising and Europe’s beautiful rivers,” said Catherine Powell, CEO of AmaWaterways. "These new ships represent exciting opportunities for our valued travel advisor partners and us to grow together. With each new ship, we will continue to sail our guests to the heart of every destination while delivering the high-touch service, elegant design, and immersive experiences that define AmaWaterways."

AmaWaterways is known for its carefully curated itineraries and immersive shore excursions, ranging from guided cultural explorations to exclusive culinary and active experiences. Each day on an AmaWaterways cruise offers up to seven included excursions tailored to a wide range of interests and activity levels – from history-rich walking tours and scenic bike rides to wine tastings in renowned vineyards and unique local experiences like truffle hunting in the south of France.

Onboard, guests enjoy award-winning cuisine and AmaWaterways’ signature Wellness Hosts lead daily exercise and relaxation classes, providing guests with holistic experiences both on and off the ship. Leisure options onboard feature sun deck pools, walking tracks, fitness rooms, spas, and local cultural performances each evening. Guests are accompanied throughout their journey by a dedicated Cruise Manager and a highly attentive crew, with select suites offering butler service for the ultimate in personalized care.

AmaWaterways also offers a variety of specialty cruises and partnerships, including collaborations with Disney, Backroads, and Smithsonian Journeys, catering to families, solo travelers, and active explorers alike. AmaWaterways has been recognized for having the highest number of returning guests in river cruising, a testament to the exceptional experiences that keep travelers coming back year after year.

With its planned fleet expansion, AmaWaterways continues to set the standard for immersive river cruising in Europe. The company will continue to work closely with its community of travel partners while delivering the high-touch, high-value service that guests have come to expect and love. Further details on the new ships will be announced in the months ahead.

Maritime Blue to host Seattle’s inaugural One Ocean Week

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 17 September 2025 17 September 2025

Maritime Blue will host the inaugural One Ocean Week Seattle along the city’s waterfront from October 20-26, 2025, bringing the international event to the United States for the first time. The weeklong program will convene international delegations, industry leaders, innovators, policymakers, and community members for panels, showcases, cultural events, and site visits focused on maritime innovation, sustainability, and collaboration.

One Ocean Week, officially endorsed by the UN Ocean Decade, is traditionally held each April in Bergen, Norway. The Seattle event will expand this global platform, showcasing the city’s role as a hub for maritime innovation.

“Seattle is a city shaped by the water – it drives our history, economy, and culture,” said Mayor Bruce Harrell of Seattle. “As a hub for maritime innovation, hosting One Ocean Week lets us share that story with the world while leading on solutions to protect our oceans, grow good jobs, and build a sustainable future for all.”

“Seattle and the Pacific Northwest have quickly grown into a global hub for maritime innovation and a sustainable Blue Economy,” said Joshua Berger, founder and president/CEO of Maritime Blue. “One Ocean Week Seattle is about bringing together people and ideas that can accelerate solutions for ocean action and build an economy that works for all. We’re proud to host this global celebration and extend the momentum of the UN Ocean Decade here in the United States.”

Over the course of the week, participants will explore solutions to urgent challenges such as maritime decarbonization, sustainable seafood, renewable ocean energy, healthy ecosystems, and digital ocean technologies.

Key event highlights include:
– One Ocean Week Seattle Summit: The centerpiece event will feature panels and roundtables with decision-makers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and communities driving ocean sustainability and the future of the Blue Economy.
– Welcoming the Statsraad Lehmkuhl: The historic Norwegian tall ship will sail into Seattle on its global One Ocean Expedition voyage, spotlighting the ocean’s central role in a sustainable future.
– Innovation Showcase: Startups, researchers, and investors will assemble to demonstrate breakthrough ocean technologies, including electrified vessels and kelp-based products.
– Cultural and Educational Programs: Youth engagement, mentorship opportunities, and community-driven initiatives will connect the next generation to ocean innovation and stewardship.

Get Involved: Members of the public, industry, and media are encouraged to attend One Ocean Week Seattle events and amplify its mission. To view the full program, register, or learn how to participate, visit maritimeblue.org/one-ocean-week-2025/schedule/.

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises transforms all its sailings bilingual

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 17 September 2025 17 September 2025

With its “WORLD. WIDE. WONDERFUL.” campaign extending from 16 Sep to 31 Oct 2025, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is focusing on an emotionally staged brand experience. “The new campaign is a logical continuation of our brand launch at the turn of the year and shows how we are placing even greater emphasis on the unique Hapag-Lloyd Cruises on-board experience. The latter is one of our strengths, with our satisfaction ratings of over 90%, confirmed by our guest returning surveys post cruise. Naturally, we wish to introduce this feeling to new guests as well,” says Clas Eckholt, Vice President Commercial at TUI Cruises.

The Hapag-Lloyd Cruises fleet comprises the two luxury ships Europa and Europa 2 as well as the three expedition ships Hanseatic nature, Hanseatic inspiration and Hanseatic spirit. All five small ships have once again been awarded the highest rating of five stars by Insight Guides Cruising & Cruise Ships 2025, formally the Berlitz Cruise Guide, and are considered the best cruise fleet in the world. Two ships of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises – Europa 2 and Hanseatic inspiration – have already been operating in both German and English; and from January 2026 onwards, the entire fleet will conduct bilingual cruises, thus opening the entire fleet to discerning guests from around the world – without altering the core of what makes the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises fleet unique. “Guests who are seeking personalised experiences combined with luxury will find the ideal dream cruise provider with Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. For more than 130 years, the fleet has stood for luxury. This development ensures that international guests can enjoy access to our range of individualised and signature luxury experiences – with bilingual service and seamless communication on board – without compromising on intimacy, elegance or authenticity,” emphasises Clas Eckholt.

Creative implementation and campaign content

Ines Bizi, Director of Marketing at Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, adds: “Our campaign is more than an offer – it is an invitation. An invitation to leave everyday life behind and immerse yourself in a world where every moment touches, inspires and lingers. We offer experiences that are not only seen, but felt with all the senses. Using new key visuals and emotional imagery, we create inspiration that inspires both long-standing guests and new customers alike.”

On the three manoeuvrable expedition ships, the focus is on the spectacular natural and adventure worlds of the Arctic, whilst service, cuisine and entertainment are the central themes on the small luxury ships Europa and Europa 2. The campaign’s media activities are accompanied by online marketing and direct guest communication measures. A total of 26 cruises are highlighted, with emphasis on the current early booking discount available until 31 Oct 2025. Starting with selected Mediterranean routes on the luxury fleet and discovery routes to the East and West Arctic on the expedition fleet, the campaign also includes routes in the Baltic Sea, the British Isles, cruises to the North Cape as well as the extraordinary expedition through the Northwest Passage.

Support for travel agencies

“Of course, we provide our partners in travel sales with all the necessary and new materials and tools for the “WORLD. WIDE. WONDERFUL.” campaign, supported by the early booking incentive, enabling them to advise their customers professionally. The campaign supports sales, inspires travel dreams and makes the uniqueness of our ships and cruises immediately tangible: all those who have already been on board with us immediately associate this feeling with an emotional world of experience. And for all those who have yet to enjoy it, we make this special momentum tangible,” says Elvir Johic, Director Sales at Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.

Travel agencies benefit from a comprehensive package of campaign materials:
– 36-page campaign brochure including cover letter
– Animated flip book brochure with many integrated films, images and links
– Social media templates
– Brand video (20 seconds, special version for travel agencies)

The campaign can be used directly in consulting and sales promotion, as all materials are effortlessly available via the “Agent Compass” agency portal in the ordering service.

Celebrity Xcel successfully completes sea trials

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 15 September 2025 15 September 2025

Celebrity Cruises’ latest ship, Celebrity Xcel, has reached a major milestone, completing its first ocean sailing on Saturday, September 13. Helmed by Captain ‘Kirk’ Kyriakos Matragkas, Celebrity Xcel completed a series of maneuverability skills designed to test the ship’s functional and operational capabilities near the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France – where the ship has been under construction.

After completing sea trials with flying colors, Celebrity Xcel is ready to welcome guests for inaugural sailings in November.

Fifth Edge-class ship

The fifth ship in Celebrity Cruises’ revolutionary Edge-series ships, Celebrity Xcel takes forward the best of the Edge-series while introducing seven new spaces that will deliver an unmatched vacation experience.

Celebrity Xcel will sail its inaugural season from Fort Lauderdale, offering 7-night itineraries alternating between The Bahamas, Mexico, Cayman Islands, and Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten. In Summer 2026, Celebrity Xcel will set sail on its inaugural European season where guests can immerse themselves in the Mediterranean like never before on 7-to 11-night journeys out of Barcelona and Athens, including all new overnight stays in Madeira, Portugal.